Patrick W. Ryan

Patrick William Ryan, age 65, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the farm.

Patrick Ryan, the son of Joanne (Burnside) and Robert E. Ryan, was born in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Washington High School and then attended St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute, earning a Culinary Arts certificate. A mid-life career change led him to Northwest Technical College – Wadena, where he earned a Plumbing Certificate.

Pat demonstrated a strong work ethic at jobs with NCR, Land O’ Lakes, Green’s Plumbing and Goodin Co., until he became disabled in 2013. His disability was due to a back surgery in which everything that could go wrong – did.  He lived the rest of his life with Caudal Equina Syndrome, epilepsy, periodic kidney infections and even survived sepsis. Throughout his years of chronic, severe pain, he was never crabby, irritable or complaining. He was even-tempered and grateful that his wife stayed with him during his numerous hospitalizations.

Pat’s mother volunteered him and his truck, to move her coworker, Molly, into her new apartment and he didn’t leave for 42 years, three sons and umpteen boxes later. He was a kind, loving, forgiving, patient and tolerant husband, with a great sense of humor, which made the marriage successful. He left a good job, uprooted Patrick and Collin, to move to Chicago so Molly could pursue a Master of Arts degree. Upon returning to MN, he moved to the farm with his family and Jordan on the way.  

Pat was a caring, active and involved father. He was a Boy Scout Leader, who spent many weeks at Camp Wilderness and guided all three sons to becoming Eagle Scouts. He went on a High Adventure with Jordan, climbing and camping in the Big Horn Mountains. He was so proud of the men his sons became as adults with Patrick having a tech career and moving home to take care of him, Collin in construction and raising a beautiful family with Lexi and Jordan serving his country in the US Army, 173^rd Airborne.

Pat enjoyed being Moses in the North Heights Lutheran Church Passion Play, with the whole family being extras in the cast of 450, for a number of years when he lived in Mounds View, MN. He taught Confirmation classes at North Heights and attended Confirmation Classes with the boys at First Lutheran Church.

Pat loved his grandchildren and relished stories and photos of their antics and activities when Granny got home from visiting them.

Pat was an avid outdoorsman and Life Member of the Deer Hunter’s Association. The highlight of his year was DEER SEASON when his brothers and nephews joined him and his boys, hunting. The last few years he would be hanging out in the garage with Bob and Andy, trading The-Big-One-That-Got-Away stories, or teasing Bob about eating Sherri’s cookies instead of shooting!

Pat was an enthusiastic NDSU Bison fan and a frustrated Viking fan. He cheered NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt, Jr, but lost interest after they both retired. The highlight of his Florida vacation with the family was seeing Dale Jr’s Daytona Championship car, with its lump of tape! In 2020 he became an Ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church, registered in Otter Tail County and hoped to perform a wedding some day!

Pat spent the last few years drinking Mountain Dew, watching many hours of NCIS and quoting the Gibb’s Rules. He managed the family finances, kept a frosty beer mug in the freezer for Molly, and told Dad Jokes.

Pat is survived by his wife: Molly; Sons: Patrick, Collin (Alexis), and Sgt. Jordan Ryan; Grandchildren: Dax, Macy and Nolan Ryan; Sisters: Sheila (Steve) Dionisopoulos; Molly (John) Forness, Brothers: Lawrence (Diane), Sr., Daniel (Tammy), John (Laurie), and Robert (Sherri) Ryan, Sister-in-Law: Letha (David) Warren, Godson: Lawrence (JR) Ryan, Jr.

Preceded in death by parents and two infant siblings.

Honorary Pallbearers – Nephews: David, Ryan and Josh Haugrud; Larry, (JR), Aaron, Matthew, Andy, and Joey Ryan; Nicholas Dionisopoulos, Scott Goossen, Tony Hieb and Paul Radaich.